Sassoferrato Carnival
Edition 2026 Heritage Folk traditions Folklore

Sassoferrato Carnival

The children's masked parade in the heart of the Sentinum village

Sassoferrato — Ancona (042)
Dates 15 Feb — 15 Feb 2026
Location Sassoferrato (042)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Sassoferrato Carnival

The Sassoferrato Carnival is the most colorful winter village festival in the Municipality of Sassoferrato, in the Province of Ancona. A Sunday afternoon when Piazza Bartolo fills with confetti and over three hundred masked children, the absolute protagonists of a cheerful parade enlivened by music, shows, and food stalls. A simple and genuine event, organized by the Pro Loco together with the Municipality and the parishes, which has united families from the Marche hinterland village for generations.

The Carnival of the Sentinum village

In the heart of the Marche hinterland, the Sassoferrato Carnival is one of those events that tell the soul of a village more than a thousand tourist brochures. It takes place in the Municipality of Sassoferrato, in the Province of Ancona, and transforms the central Piazza Bartolo into an explosion of confetti, masks, and laughter for an afternoon. It's not a carnival with large monumental floats, but a family-friendly community celebration, where children are the real stars.

One square, two voices, over 300 smiles

The motto of the 2026 edition, "One square, two voices, over 300 smiles", well summarizes the spirit of the event: over three hundred masked children parading together, transforming the historic center into a whirlwind of fantasy and joy. The festival was born and grew thanks to the collaboration between the Pro Loco of Sassoferrato, the Municipality, and the two city parishes of San Facondino and San Pietro: a teamwork that involves volunteers, families, and local associations every year.

How the day unfolds

Everything begins in the early afternoon with the gathering of the masked groups at the sports facilities in via Rulliano. From there, the procession moves towards the center, where the parade enlivens Piazza Bartolo with music, entertainment, and shows. There are also food stalls, musical entertainment, and activities dedicated to the little ones, with entertainers, face painting, and many surprises. It's one of those festivals where everyone knows each other, where the fun is authentic, and entry is free for anyone who wants to participate.

Experiencing Sassoferrato during Carnival

Participating in the Sassoferrato Carnival also means discovering a village of great charm, nestled among the hills on the border between Marche and Umbria, rich in Roman history (ancient Sentinum) and medieval glimpses. The Carnival period is the perfect opportunity to visit the town on a festive day, immersing yourself in a family atmosphere that has become a consolidated tradition for the entire Umbrian-Marche Apennine area.

Sassoferrato Carnival — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Sassoferrato Carnival took place on Sunday, February 15, in Piazza Bartolo, with the motto "One square, two voices, over 300 smiles." Over three hundred masked children were the protagonists, amidst music, shows, and food stalls, in a celebration organized by the Pro Loco together with the Municipality and the parishes of San Facondino and San Pietro.

The 2026 edition of the Sassoferrato Carnival was held on Sunday, February 15, in Piazza Bartolo, with a backup date of February 22 in case of bad weather. The chosen motto, "One square, two voices, over 300 smiles", focused on the village children, the true protagonists of the masked parade.

The day enlivened the historic center with the parade of masked groups, musical entertainment, and food stalls, in a festive atmosphere shared by the entire Sentinate community.

Programme Sassoferrato Carnival 2026

Sunday, February 15, 2026 — Piazza Bartolo

  • 2:30 PM — Gathering of masked groups at the sports facilities in via Rulliano
  • 3:00 PM — Start of the masked parade in Piazza Bartolo
  • 5:00 PM — Post-parade entertainment

During the afternoon: parade of masked groups with over 300 children, shows, food stalls, and musical entertainment by Mattia Zucca.

In case of bad weather, the event was postponed to Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Highlights Sassoferrato Carnival 2026

The parade of over 300 masked children in Piazza Bartolo, under the motto "One square, two voices, over 300 smiles," with musical entertainment and food stalls.

Prices Sassoferrato Carnival 2026

Free admission.

Practical information — Sassoferrato Carnival

When

A Sunday afternoon in February, during the Carnival period. In case of bad weather, the festival is postponed to the following Sunday.

Where

Piazza Bartolo, in the historic center of Sassoferrato (AN). Gathering point for masked groups at the sports facilities in via Rulliano.

Admission

The event is free and open to all, with entertainment designed especially for children.

Organization

Event promoted by the Pro Loco of Sassoferrato together with the Municipality and the parishes of San Facondino and San Pietro.

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Where does it take place — Sassoferrato Carnival

Piazza Bartolo

Piazza Bartolo, 60041 Sassoferrato

Sassoferrato Carnival in brief

Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Young audience Family Children Playful Ancona

History of Sassoferrato Carnival